Reading schemes: Headsprout. Is it worth the money?

[wheelsonthebus]

I am dithering about whether to subscribe to this. It is expensive and I don't want to waste cash. Can anyone advise on the pros and cons? Is it suitable for a child in reception who is learning to read (and is quite a good reader). Do you have to pay tax on top of the price charged if buying from the UK? Any comments welcome. We already use starfall which I do like, but it's not a reading scheme as such - it is, however, free

Just out of interest, what is Starfall?

You need moondog - she raves about Headsprout andd has done some research into it I believe. Have you downloaded the free lessons?

jolly - will try the free lessons this weekend as a taster.
frankie3 - starfall is a great (US) site which helps children learn to read. It's excellent.

As a reception teacher I have a few issues with it. Firstly I don't like the American accent (don't like starfall either) and some words are spelt with American spellings, but my main problem is that it doesn't fit in with how children are taught in the UK. The sample lesson (2?) for example refers to "an" as a sound when in fact it is a "rime" ...

mrz, are there any other sites or schemes you would recommend?